Appeals

An appeal is a request for reconsideration of a decision that has been taken in relation to academic decisions, exclusion, Code of Student Conduct, fitness to practice, support for study and refusals of authorised interruption of studies applications. Students should note that the submission of an appeal does not alter a student’s status, nor pause or prevent the application of any decision being appealed against. For example, it will not prevent graduation or impact visa requirements or expiration. The Appeal Committee does not remark work, change academic decisions nor can they overturn University regulations. The only possible outcome of an upheld appeal is for the original decision makers to be asked to reconsider.

The Appeal process is separate to the Complaint Handling Procedure and cannot investigate complaints against the quality of supervision. The appeal process is not intended for retrospective consideration of historical matters and students should not wait to disclose matters such as supervisory concerns or health/disability impact only after an assessment is submitted or a result is known. It is good practice that students raise any concerns at the time they occur.

Supervisor role in appeals

Appeals are handled outside the Schools and Colleges so are external to a supervisor’s remit. A supervisor’s pastoral role continues after an appeal is lodged, even when the appeal might raise concerns over supervisor conduct. After taking appropriate advice, supervisors can decide whether to support the student in making their appeal. Supervisors may be asked to provide additional information to the appeal team but are not typically informed of outcomes. A supervisor’s support does not guarantee an appeal will be upheld.

Research students’ responsibilities in appeals

Students must read and be familiar with relevant University policies, regulations, codes of practice and handbooks. Ignorance of information within relevant University policies or regulations is not a ground for appeal. 

It is the student’s responsibility to submit a piece of work capable of satisfying the relevant examiners and they are solely responsible for the academic quality of their work. Following the guidance of a supervisor carries no guarantee of success in an assessment and therefore, comments of approval or absence of criticism do not constitute grounds for appeal.

If a decision has been made in compliance with the relevant policy, regulation or procedure, a student may not challenge academic judgement simply on the basis of disagreement or disappointment in a decision.

Appeals